Description: cocoaModem is a MacOS X application which implements modems
(modulator-demodulators) for some of the Amateur Radio
digital modes.
cocoaModem’s name is a reference to the MacOS X Cocoa
framework that it
uses. cocoaModem supports RTTY, PSK31 (both BPSK
and QPSK),
PSK63, Hellschreiber, a two receiver RTTY interface and a
contest interface.

I have been using CocoaModem for about a year now. It is easy to set up and works great. It is the only 'serious' digital mode software for Mac OSX that I've found. So far I have used PSK31, CW, and Hellschreiber with good success. The author is very responsive to inquiries. It will log contacts into Aether, or with a script into MacLoggerDX.

I have tried other PSK31 programs and although they work, they have a pretty steep learning curve. You don't have to 'sacrifice a cat' to get this program to work. :)

Cocoamodem is an example of the art of software at its highest level. Elegant, streamlined and powerful, this program is, all by itself, a reason for moving to Mac (which is especially compelling now that the Intel Macs make it easy to run Windows software just as well as a Wintel machine). Kok Chen combines his math, programming, image processing, and signal processing skills into a digital suite that is on a different planet from the others. Chen's documentation is comprehensive and the program is free. Does it get better?

cocoaModem is, as the others have said, the best piece of software for the digital modes for the Apple Mac. And, starting with the most recent update, CW send and receive have been added. As with the previous modes, this one is a first-rate implementation. Interestingly, W7AY uses emission type J2A for CW, allowing him to have a great deal of control over the shaping of the note. You accordingly don't set your rig to CW mode but to whatever you use for PSK or other digital modes (USB, Digital, etc.). The result is a very pleasant sounding Morse code on the receive end - I was told during one QSO that the program has a "good fist." The CW decode function works very well, but, as with all Morse decoders, the accuracy depends upon the quality of the received signal. It can't decode badly sent Morse. However, it does as well as any other program I've seen and much better than many others. W1AW code bulletins are decoded with great precision, limited only by QSB. The interface is worth noting: it shows a window, much like most PSK31 programs, where all of the received signals are displayed on a 2.5 kHz waterfall display. As described in the documentation, the frequency scale under the display depends on the VFO Offset and the AFSK LSB/USB popup menu settings in the corresponding configuration panel. If those parameter are set to agree with your transceiver's settings, the precise frequency that you are receiving and transmitting can be found by directly applying the offset in the waterfall scale to the VFO dial display of the transceiver. Clicking on a signal will begin decoding, and transmitting will be done on the correct offset for the receiving station. You can optionally turn on an aural monitor that will play the received CW at a user set pitch (600 Hz, for example) no matter where in the receive window the signal lies. You can also monitor and decode two received signals simulataneously. Terrific!

The complete list of cocoaModem modes to date are RTTY (AFSK), PSK (BPSK31, QPSK31, BPSK63, and QPSK63), Hellschreiber (Feld Hell, FM Hell 105, FM Hell 245), CW (wideband two-receiver CW interface), SITOR-B reception, and HF-FAX reception. I have not tried the SITOR yet, but I have used all of the others with great success. And, as was noted in a previoius review, a contest mode is included for RTTY and PSK31 that can check for dupes and generate a Cabrillo file. There are many, many other features included in cocoaModem, and the best way to see the full range of options is to go to Kok Chen's website and read the online documentation. cocoaModem 2.0 requires Tiger 10.4.x and is built as a universal binary so that it runs on the older PPC Macs as well as the new Intel ones. I've been using a G4 iBook with no problems.

If you are a Ham and use a Mac, you owe it to yourself to get this program. It is simply the best piece of amateur radio software for the Mac. (Or at least tied with MacLoggerDX.)

This is simply the best software available for digital modes. The fact that is written for the Macintosh should come as no surprise. For casual QSOs or serious contesting, cocoaModem is the way to go. cocoaModem comes with AppleScripting abilities so that integration with MacLoggerDX is seamless. Chen has also added 'mH Router' to the suite which provides support for the microHam Digikeyer. For those that like to tinker, the source is available for the asking. Be sure to read the copious on-line documentation to take advantage of all of cocoaModems incredible features ( like the click-buffer ).

Excellent software, free, and optimized for the various processors on the Mac. Well done. Works PSK31, RTTY, SITOR-B, and my favorite (right now!), Hellschreiber.
Good work. Nicer yet with the additional PTT program...

This is a must have for anyone interested in HAM digital modes and on a Apple Macintosh computer. Rock solid, great performing and simple to use software whether you're casual user or a die hard contester. Kok Chen (W7AY) has combined is skills as a master mathematician, programmer and love of HAM radio hobby to produce this outstanding piece of software. The fact that he provides this software for free is the icing on the cake :-)

Many thanks Kok.

Steve - VA3SPH

&nbsp

Page 2 of 2

If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.

Copyright 2000-2016 eHam.net, LLC
eHam.net is a community web site for amateur (ham) radio operators around the world.
Contact the site with comments or questions.Site Privacy Statement